Trips to Edinburgh

Edinburgh travel

Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, is a city that is ready to be discovered. Compact enough to explore on foot, it has the delightful offerings expected of a world-class city, from historic castles and museums to fantastic shopping and dining. It was in the 12th century when King David I proclaimed Edinburgh as a town comprising one of its royal burghs. Its history is long and varied starting with the fort (Castle Rock), various battles and numerous invasions. Today, Edinburgh is a vibrant capital that has retained much of its old world charm, from picturesque medieval buildings to beautiful squares. Splendid surprises await travellers on flights to Edinburgh once they arrive in the city.

Things to do and places to see in Edinburgh

The city might be small in size compared to other cosmopolitan cities around the world, but it more than makes up for it given the sheer number of activities you can do in Edinburgh. Start your trips to Edinburgh by visiting the Old Town with its cobbled streets and tight alleys. Admire the beautifully preserved buildings as you walk along the Royal Mile and stop at the end of the road that leads to the magnificent Holyrood Palace.

When visiting Edinburgh, be sure to:

See the Crown Jewels of Scotland at the iconic Edinburgh Castle

Listen to bewitching tales of murders and ghosts from guides at The Real Mary Close

Enjoy spooky Mercat Tours of the Blair Underground Vault

Experience The Edinburgh Dungeon with its live shows powered by special effects

Admire galleries and exhibitions at the National Museum of Scotland

Go to the official residence of the Queen, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and tour the State Apartments open to the public

Book a Scotch Whisky Experience and select your preferred dram

Check out the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith

Sample Scottish cuisine in a restaurant serving traditional food

Chill out at a pub with your mates and enjoy loads of malt for a night of pure fun

Edinburgh airports

Cheap flights to Edinburgh arrive at the Edinburgh International Airport. Located just in the outskirts of the city, the airport is the busiest in Scotland, the sixth in the UK and 43rd in Europe. It has one terminal catering to 32 airlines travelling 173 routes to 122 destinations. Edinburgh Airport has a VisitScotland Information Centre, shops, prayer rooms, smoking areas, courier centre, restaurants, dry cleaning and cash machines. Ample parking facilities are available for private cars.

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Location

Glasgow Prestwick Airport is approximately a mile from the Prestwick town which is also the nearest train station and 32 miles from the city centre.

Transport options

Prestwick airport is the only airport in Scotland to have a railway station of its own with a covered walkway from the airport to the station. With a schedule of three trains an hour, these will connect you to the city in about 50 minutes. Buses and coaches have services to and from the airport to most places in Glasgow and connect you via Buchanan Street. Taxi/car rental services are available outside the terminal building and you can pre-book your ride for a faster checkout from the airport.

Edinburgh Airport

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Location

Edinburgh Airport is in Ingliston approximately 9.3km west of downtown.

Transport options

The airport is well-connected to the motorways (M8 and M9) making it easy to get there by rental car or a private vehicle. You can also take a bus, coach, taxi or tram. By bus, take Airlink 100 (Stop D) to Waverley Bridge where you can connect to several destinations at the main rail and bus stations on Princes street. Hop on a tram marked "Edinburgh Airport" to catch your plane or to get into town, destination "York Place".

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